4 Ways Video Backs up Drivers
While driver acceptance of in-cab event recorders has been a challenge in the past, we have also seen significant gains. The reality is, video telematics can be a big benefit for drivers, providing proof of everything they are doing right. Here are four important ways video is advocating for drivers right now.
1. Exoneration
If your drivers are the victim of a sideswipe, hit-and-run, or another type of collision, video can be their best friend. When a collision opens the door for debate about who is at fault, the video evidence squashes those arguments with proof of what really happened.
“Professional drivers can rest easy knowing that the actions of others who are liable will be captured on video,” said Gary Johnson, director, risk and compliance management at Lytx. “People in passenger vehicles frequently cut off commercial drivers. They change lanes without looking. They don’t see your lorry because they’re texting while at the wheel. Professional drivers can be assured—and drive more confidently—knowing that the video from the dash cam can protect them in these situations.”
“Many times, passenger vehicle drivers try to pin the blame for their own mistakes on commercial drivers, such as running a red light or pulling out into oncoming traffic”, Johnson said. Through video clips, the fleet safety programmes quickly enable dismissal of those false accusations and clears drivers’ names and records. The same is true in the passenger transportation industry, when an unruly passenger has an altercation with a driver. “The fleet safety programme can be a great advocate for drivers by providing evidence that can be used in court”, Johnson said.
2. Driver recognition
Acts of skilled driving and professionalism brought to light through our video clips make it easy for drivers’ good actions to be recognised and promoted. “The driver safety programme allows drivers to be praised and acknowledged for their exceptional driving skills, whether it results in dramatically saving another person’s life, or simply avoiding a collision through safe maneouvering and quick thinking,” Johnson said.
“Before smart dash cams, supervisors had no way of knowing when a driver deserved to be recognised unless someone came forward and mentioned it”, Johnson said. The driver safety programmes can bring drivers’ achievements to managers’ attention right away, allowing drivers to be rewarded for their bravery and professionalism in a timely manner.
3. Professional development
“The driver safety programme is a coaching tool, not a disciplinary tool”, Johnson said. “It is here to help drivers hone their talent and be the best drivers they can be,” he said. “Just as professional athletes improve their game by studying video clips of their performance in the field, drivers can improve their skills by reviewing video clips with their managers and refining their performance.”
Good drivers are hard to find, and becoming or staying a safe and conscientious driver is good job security.
4. Proof in the event of complaints
When a driver arrives to deliver a load but no one is there to receive it, or if a dock is full, a gate is locked or an alley is too narrow to navigate, the driver can push the dash cam’s manual record button. “A recording and its date and time stamp will validate your driver’s side of the story in the event of a customer dispute,” Johnson said.